Transcultural Nursing Communication: Essential Skills in the 21st Century

Abstract

In the 21st century, global health has been characterized by profound transformations, including demographic shifts, the increasing complexity of social problems, and growing cultural diversity, which directly influence healthcare systems. Within this context, cross-cultural communication has become a critical competency for nurses, enabling them to 1) assess, 2) identify problems, and 3) plan nursing care that is responsive to the needs of service users. As frontline providers, nurses must possess a deep understanding of cross-cultural communication to ensure effective and equitable care delivery. This article, therefore, aims to: 1) review key factors influencing cross-cultural communication, including the assessment of communication culture between senders and receivers and the essential skills required for nursing practice; and 2) propose practical guidelines for its application. Cross-cultural communication is shaped by multiple dimensions: 1) receiver-related factors, including physical readiness, language proficiency,attitudes, knowledge and experience related to the subject matter, and listening skills; 2) sender-related factors, including language ability, cultural understanding, positive attitudes toward caring for people from diverse backgrounds, and cultural competence or sensitivity; and 3) environmental factors, such as the communication setting, conversational atmosphere, the ability to foster a positive environment, and touch. Nurses should demonstrate competencies in two major areas: 1) assessing the communication culture of both senders and receivers, taking into account beliefs about health authority, emotional expression, information-seeking behaviors, eye contact, and perceptions of time; and 2) applying cross-cultural communication skills in practice, including deep listening, validation, feedback, focusing, mirroring, rapport, self-disclosure, and therapeutic relationship. Guidelines for effective cross-cultural nursing communication include: 1) assessing the beliefs of people from diverse cultural backgrounds; 2) identifying factors that may influence or hinder communication between nurses and patients; 3) planning and implementing nursing interventions; 4) adjusting communication methods to align with cultural needs and backgrounds; 5) delivering information and education through culturally appropriate strategies; 6) employing suitable communication techniques and attitudes; 7) monitoring and following up regularly; 8) utilizing interpreters to enhance understanding when necessary; 9) ensuring attentiveness and continuity of communication; and 10) collaborating with interpreters under clear ethical standards and protocols. Enhancing nurses’ cross-cultural communication competence is a vital strategy for improving the quality of nursing care in the 21st century. Recommendations are as follows: 1) institutions should provide in-service education to prepare nurses in language proficiency, cultural understanding, and problem-solving skills related to cultural differences, which are expected to increase continuously; and 2) communication applications may be used to support practice, though their limitations must be carefully considered to prevent errors in patient care.